Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina was established in 1670 by English settlers on the west bank of the Ashley River, just a few miles northwest of the present city. The site was chosen by Anthony Ashley-Cooper to become a "great port towne," a destiny which Charleston fulfilled. By 1680, the settlement had grown, and relocated to its current peninsular location. In 1783, Charles Town was renamed Charleston.

The growing settlement and capitol of the Carolina Colony was subject to attack from both land and sea. Periodic attacks came from both Spain and France, who still contested England's claims to the region. Pirate raids and assaults from Native Americans further strained Charleston's defenses, but the colony soon expanded into a busy and successful maritime and agricultural community, playing a significant role in the nation’s founding. By 1770, Charleston boasted the fourth largest port in the colonies. Only New York, Boston and Philadelphia had larger ports. Rice, indigo and naval stores were exported in an extremely profitable shipping industry. The port Anthony-Ashley Cooper envisioned had turned Charleston, SC into the economic center of the South.

The South Carolina State Ports Authority owns and operates the Port of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. The Port of Charleston consists of five terminals. Three are on the Harbor and the other two are on the Cooper River just north of Charleston's bustling harbor. Port activity, behind tourism, is the leading source of Charleston's revenue.
Located just south of the mid-point of South Carolina's coastline, on a peninsula at the point where Ashley River and the Cooper River meet, Charleston is the county seat and largest city of Charleston County. Charleston is a major tourist destination, well-known for world class shopping and dining, history, charm and beautiful beaches.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated population of Charleston, SC at 110,866 in 2007, making it the second most populous city in South Carolina, behind the state capital of Columbia. The military is a major industry in the Charleston region. The largest of the military facilities include the Naval Weapons Station - Charleston and the Charleston Air Force Base.
Maritime safety and security in Charleston is the province of the Coast Guard Sector - Charleston. The U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Academy is also located in Charleston, preparing Coast Guard personnel to perform as Maritime Law Enforcement Officers.

Charleston is served by Charleston International Airport, the busiest passenger airport in the state of South Carolina. The airport shares runways with the adjacent Charleston Air Force Base. Three interstate roadways serve the community: U.S. I-26, I-95 and I-526. The Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority provides public transportation.

Several quality healthcare options are available to Charleston's residents. Major medical facilities in Charleston include Medical University of South Carolina, Roper Hospital and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, run by Roper St. Francis Health Care, Trident Medical Center and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center.

Arts, recreational and cultural opportunities are abundant in Charleston, South Carolina, including museums, music, dance and theater, as well as golf, hunting, sailing or fishing -- not surprising, given the balmy weather, Charleston's maritime history, and the miles of nearby lakes, rivers and ocean.